Vehicle guidance via infrared projection

ABSTRACT

A system for guiding a vehicle is provided. The system includes multiple paths on a surface, wherein each path is defined by light projection characteristics of a respective light projection defining a respective path. The system also includes the vehicle. The vehicle includes a sensor configured to detect the light projection characteristic of the respective path of the multiple paths, and a controller guide the vehicle along the respective path with a light projection characteristic that matches an expected light projection characteristic that is assigned to the vehicle.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S.application Ser. No. 16/986,107, filed Aug. 5, 2020, which claimspriority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/884,943, filed Aug. 9,2019, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entiretyfor all purposes.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of vehicleguidance. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosurerelate to vehicle guidance based upon utilizing infrared projections.

This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects ofart that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure,which are described below. This discussion is believed to be helpful inproviding the reader with background information to facilitate a betterunderstanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure.Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to beread in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

Amusement parks contain a variety of rides providing unique experiencesto each park guest. The addition of large attractions, such as rides andshows, generally provides an amusement park with additional capacity tohandle a larger number of guests. However, the addition of traditionalrides without an added layer of intrigue may be insufficient to garnersufficient guest interest to address either guest traffic issues orprovide an advantage over competitors. With the increasingsophistication and complexity of modern attractions, and thecorresponding increase in expectations among amusement park and/or themepark guests, improved and more creative attractions are needed,including attractions that provide a unique guest experience. Further,in implementing these improved attractions, safety is a top priority.Mechanical safety mechanisms can sometime wear, requiring untimelyrepairs to the attraction.

SUMMARY

Certain embodiments commensurate in scope with the originally claimedsubject matter are summarized below. These embodiments are not intendedto limit the scope of the disclosure, but rather these embodiments areintended only to provide a brief summary of certain disclosedembodiments. Indeed, the present disclosure may encompass a variety offorms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forthbelow.

In one embodiment, a system for guiding a vehicle is provided. Thesystem includes multiple paths on a surface, wherein each path isdefined by infrared projection configured to read by infrared camerasaffixed to a vehicle. The system also includes the vehicle. The vehicleincludes an infrared camera/sensor mounted to its frame at a heightsufficient to view the roadway in front of, behind, and/or around thevehicle. The vehicle includes a controller configured to guide thevehicle along the respective path based on features of the infraredprojection that are detected by the sensor.

In another embodiment, a system for guiding a vehicle is provided. Thesystem includes multiple paths on a surface, wherein each path of themultiple paths is defined by an infrared projection formed from infraredlaser diodes affixed to structures (e.g., ceilings and/or walls of anattraction). In some instances the diodes may be placed quite far fromthe attraction as needed (since the laser light will remain collimatedand reach quite far). The system also includes multiple vehicles. Inaddition, each vehicle of the multiple vehicles includes an infraredcamera/sensor mounted to its frame at a height sufficient to view theroadway in front of, behind, and/or around the vehicle, and a controllerconfigured to guide the vehicle along the respective path of themultiple paths based on characteristics of the infrared projection ofrespective path of the multiple paths detected by the sensor. Forexample, different paths may include different infrared patterns, suchas dots, dashes, lines, or other identifiable markings onto the travelsurface. Each of the multiple vehicles may identify a correct path basedupon these identifiable markings of the various paths.

In another embodiment, a method for guiding a vehicle is provided. Themethod includes obtaining, at a controller of the vehicle, an infraredprojection on a travel surface to guide the vehicle along a path,wherein the path is among multiple paths on the travel surface, and eachpath among the multiple paths is defined by one or more infraredprojections that can be observed by infrared cameras affixed to thevehicles. The method further includes detecting, via a sensor on thevehicle, characteristics associated with the one or more infraredprojections and guiding, via the controller, the vehicle along the pathamong the multiple paths based on the characteristics detected by thesensor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentdisclosure will become better understood when the following detaileddescription is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in whichlike characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic of an embodiment of a ride vehicle guidance systemof an amusement attraction that uses infrared projections to automateguidance, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of an environment of an amusement parkutilizing the ride vehicle guidance system of FIG. 1 , in accordancewith an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of an environment of the amusement parkutilizing the ride vehicle guidance system of FIG. 1 (e.g., withmultiple vehicles), in accordance with an aspect of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a portion of a path having differentcharacteristics, as taken within line 4-4 of FIGS. 2 and 3 , inaccordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a portion of a path having a symbolor marking in the infrared projection, as taken within line 4-4 of FIGS.2 and 3 , in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a portion of a path having differentcharacteristics, as taken within line 4-4 of FIGS. 2 and 3 , inaccordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method for guiding avehicle in an amusement attraction utilizing the ride vehicle guidancesystem of FIG. 1 , in accordance with an aspect of the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will bedescribed below. In an effort to provide a concise description of theseembodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not bedescribed in the specification. It should be appreciated that in thedevelopment of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering ordesign project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be madeto achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance withsystem-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from oneimplementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that sucha development effort might be complex and time consuming, but wouldnevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, andmanufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of thisdisclosure.

Amusement parks feature a wide variety of entertainment, such asamusement park rides, performance shows, and games. Embodiments of thepresent disclosure are directed to a ride vehicle guidance system thatuses infrared projections to perform automated vehicle guidance. Whilethe current discussion will center around amusement park ride guidance,the current systems and techniques could be used in a variety ofapplications, from robot guidance to roadway or other vehicle guidance.The current discussion is not intended to limit the current vehicleguidance system to amusement ride guidance. A plurality of paths may bedisposed on a surface. Each path is defined by infrared projections(e.g., infrared light forming particular path patterns, such asreoccurring or non-reoccurring patterns of particular shapes and/orobjects (e.g., bar codes, QR codes, etc.)). In certain embodiments, eachpath generally includes different projection characteristics than otherpaths, making each path discernable from one another. Each ride vehiclemay be equipped with an infrared camera or sensor configured to detectemitted infrared light making up the infrared projections. Due to theinfrared light wavelengths, the infrared light projections may not bevisible to the human eye and therefore may not be visible to passengerson the vehicles or the people standing by to ride the vehicles. Thepaths may intersect. In addition, multiple vehicles may move along thepaths at the same time and pass each other. In some embodiments, thepassenger may be able to change the path the vehicle is moving along viaan input provided to the vehicle. In certain embodiments, thecharacteristics of the infrared projections may vary along a path atdifferent locations to alter the speed of the vehicle (e.g., accelerate,decelerate, stop, etc.) or cause the vehicle to perform an action (e.g.,spin). Due to the invisibility of the paths, the amusement attractionmay seem unpredictable to the passenger and enhance the ride experienceof the passenger.

Turning to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a schematicof an embodiment of a ride vehicle guidance system 10 of an amusementattraction that uses infrared projections to determine guidance of theride vehicle. As shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1 , thesystem 10 may include a vehicle 12 (e.g., ride vehicle), a pathprojection system 13, and a ride controller system 14. In certainembodiments, the system 10 may include a plurality of vehicles 12. Thesystem 10 may be configured to be utilized in conjunction with one ormore infrared projections that are projected on a travel surface (fromthe path projection system 13), where the infrared projections defineone or more paths for the vehicle 12 to follow. The paths may bedifferentiated from one another based upon characteristics of infraredprojections. In certain embodiments, each path may be defined by adifferent infrared projection than those defining the other paths. Incertain embodiments, a particular path may include, at differentlocations along the path, triggering characteristics (e.g., modifiedprojections), that trigger different actions to be performed by thevehicle 12. These different actions may include changing speed (e.g.,accelerating, decelerating, stopping, etc.) or other actions, such asspinning in place, activating a show feature, etc. In certainembodiments, a particular path may include a central portion having afirst characteristic and one or more flanking portions that havedifferent characteristics. These differing portion may be used toidentify how far the vehicle 12 is deviating from the path (e.g., thecentral portion) and/or that vehicle 12 correct course to get back onthe path. In certain embodiments, marks and/or patterns (e.g., dots,dashes, lines, tick marks, bar codes, QR codes, etc.) may be projectedin or near or make up the infrared projection to provide certaininformation (e.g., distance travelled, path information, speed, etc.) tothe vehicle 12 and/or ride controller system 14. In certain embodiments,these marks may indicate the validity of the path. For example, when themarks are expected, but not found, this may indicate a rogue projectionor a projection that should not be trusted for guidance.

The path projection system 13 may include, in some embodiments, a systemof infrared laser diode affixed to the ceiling or walls, either aroundthe track, or optionally placed quite far from the attraction as needed(since the laser light will remain collimated and reach quite far (i.e.drone navigation uses). The infrared laser emitters can be placed offaxis to the sides of the track, or directly overhead to minimizepotential occlusions that can occur from set, or other line of sightinterferences.

These laser diodes may project a linear pattern of dots, dashes, lines,or some other identifiable marking onto the travel surface. These diodesmay be infrared (IR) laser pointers, aimed at regular intervals alongthe track, to indicate the center of the travel path. In anothervariation, an optical modifier may be included, so that the laser spotis stretched into an infrared line segment. Multiple line segments canthen be setup one after another along the travel path.

In another variation, an optical diffusion grating or waveguide may beplaced in the light path in order to generate a specific projectionpattern on the target surface (i.e. barcodes, multiple dots and dashes,QR codes). Fiber optics could also serve this purpose, and direct asingle light source in multiple directions simultaneously, to allow forfewer required light and power sources.

In another variation, a scanning micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMs)or digital micromirror device (DMD) may be used to actively scan out thedesired programmable infrared light pattern onto the ground or targetsurfaces. By projecting a known infrared pattern onto the travelsurfaces or environment from one or more off-board fixed locations, thecurrent techniques allow for a fixed patterning of the space, andremoves the need for prior knowledge of or extensive processing of thedata to derive location information, as in a depth or LIDAR based SLAMnavigation system.

The vehicle 12 may include one or more camera/sensors 18 configured todetect the infrared projections. The one or more sensors 18 may belocated along the vehicle 12 (e.g., bottom portion and/or front portionof the vehicle 12) at a height sufficient to view the travel surface infront of, behind, and/or around the vehicle 12.

The infrared pixel data from the camera/sensors 18 may be processedlocally or remotely (depending on configuration, weight, power andcriticality needs), and determine the required adjustments to thevehicle directly, or hand off the data to another computer or PLC forfurther action (i.e. Estop trigger, warning dispatch, automated coursecorrection).

The vehicle 12 also may include a controller 20 that is configured tocontrol the actions of the vehicle 12. The controller may include amemory 22 and a processor 24 configured to execute instructions storedon the memory 22. In certain embodiments, the memory 22 may store a setof expected characteristics that should be observed via the sensors 18in guiding the vehicle 12 along a particular path. In addition, thememory 22 may store additional characteristics that, when observed (orin some cases when not observed), cause various actions of the vehicle(e.g., accelerating, decelerating, stopping, spinning, animating a showeffect, etc.). In certain embodiments, the memory 22 may store entirepaths and any characteristics or changes in the infrared projectionsassociated with particular paths. The controller 20 may be configured tocompare the expected characteristics (e.g., from the memory 22 and/orthe ride controller system 14) with the infrared projection detected bythe sensors 18 to identify guidance control of the vehicle 12 along aparticular path. In certain embodiments, the comparison may cause thecontroller 20 to correct course back onto the path if the vehicle 12deviates from the path or otherwise perform other activities.

The controller 20 may control the vehicle 12 via a steering system 26coupled to wheels on the vehicle 12. The controller also may be coupledto an input device 28 on the vehicle 12. The input device 28 may includea touch screen, one or more buttons, levers, or any other device. Theinput device 28 may enable the passenger to provide an input thatresults in selecting and/or changing a path. For example, the inputdevice 28 may provide the passenger different options or scenarios(e.g., passage thru a particular themed section, a difficulty level ofthe passage, etc.). Various inputs received via the input device 28 maybe associated with particular expected/assigned projectioncharacteristics utilized by the controller 20 in guiding the vehicle 12.In certain embodiments, the passenger may be able to provide the inputprior to the ride starting, which determines the initial path and/orsubsequent path utilized by the vehicle 12. In certain embodiments, thepassenger may be able to provide the input during the ride to change thepath of the vehicle 12 (e.g., when the vehicle 12 encounters anintersection where the current path crosses other paths). In certainembodiments, when the passenger does not provide input, the controller20 may automatically determine the path (i.e., the expected/assignedcharacteristic to utilize) in guiding the vehicle 12.

In certain embodiments, the vehicle 12 may follow one or more paths atthe same time, which may induce both translational and rotational motionof the vehicle 12. Indeed, the controller 12 may, in some embodiments,employ sensors 18 that are programmed to track different projectedpaths. For example, a sensor 18 programmed to track “Path 1” may belocated at a front of the vehicle 12 and a sensor 18 programmed to track“Path 2” (e.g., a path having different characteristics than “Path 1”)may be located at a back portion of the vehicle 12. The controller 20may control (e.g., via the steering system 26) wheels of the vehicle 12located near the front of the vehicle 12 and wheels of the vehicle 12located near the back of the vehicle 12 to follow projected paths thatcorrespond to the sensor 18 tracking path 1 and the sensor 18 trackingpath 2. In this way, the rotation of the vehicle 12 may be encoded intothe layout of the projected paths.

These inputs may also cause a dynamic change to characteristics of aninfrared projection. For example, if an input indicates a desire toincrease the ride speed, characteristics of the infrared projection canbe altered to trigger the ride controller system 14 to increase the ridespeed. For example, if a current followed infrared projection includesdots, but a dashed projection indicates that the ride controller system14 should increase speed, the dot projection may be dynamically alteredto a dashed projection upon receiving the input, thus indicating to theride controller system 14 to increase the speed.

In some implementations, a path integrity check system could be added,in order to determine whether the path has been occluded, is broken orshut off, or has changed from the expected configuration. An optionaloverhead camera set could be added, or the on vehicle camera/sensor 18itself can scan the path ahead to determine whether the linear pathappears as expected, or if it has unexpected breaks in it. Anyabnormalities could be reported as a failure or a lower confidence valueto the control system.

In a variation that uses projected barcodes or other symbols, the systemcould determine if any expected symbols are missing, out of order, orout of place/off axis due to drift, bumps, or misalignment. The patternitself could also allow for this integrity determination. The repeating,or optionally non-repeating pattern could be read and the camera systemitself could determine whether the expected pattern of, for instance,dots and dashes has been presented. If not, an error or warning can bethrown or action taken to correct the issue or Estop command issued atthat time.

Another modification that can be made to protect the system fromunintended infrared light sources interfering is to modulate the lasersource in time with the camera frame rate, or modulate its phase so thatthe sensor filters out unmodulated light sources, such as the sun, orother set lighting.

It may be possible to achieve this with standard theatrical Goes BeforeOptics (gobo) lighting fixtures as well, instead projecting infraredlight patterns through physical masks, focused appropriately on thetarget surface. Indeed, it should be noted that a gobo lighting fixture(e.g., gobo changer, slide projector type device) may be used to get abasic amount of real time control over the projected patterns. Thiscould lower the cost and complexity potentially, while allowing forstandard lighting installation, securing, aiming and mounting proceduresto be followed.

The controller 20 also may be coupled to a transceiver 30 configured tocommunicate wirelessly with other vehicles that may be on the pathsand/or the ride controller system 14. In certain embodiments, thevehicle 12 may communicate, via the transceiver 30, its chosenprojection characteristics, location, speed, future change in projectioncharacteristics, and/or other information to the other vehicles and/orthe ride controller system 14. In certain embodiments, the controller 20may receive, via the transceiver 30, the same information about othervehicles from the vehicles and/or the ride controller system 14. Incertain embodiments, the vehicle 12 may be autonomous from the ridecontroller system 14. In certain embodiments, control of the vehicle 12by the controller 20 may be overridden via the ride controller system14.

The ride controller system 14 may include a controller 32 that controlsone or more of the vehicles 12 in the amusement attraction. In certainembodiments, the controller 32 may communicate a particular path (e.g.,via a particular one or more projection characteristics) for aparticular vehicle 12 to utilize. In certain embodiments, the ridecontroller system 14 may provide an entire path and any characteristicsor changes in characteristics associated with the particular path to thevehicle 12. In certain embodiments, the ride controller system 14 mayprovide information associated with other vehicles (e.g., expectedprojection characteristics, location, speed, future change in expectedcharacteristics, and/or other information) to a particular vehicle 12.Actions for the vehicle 12 associated with particular projectioncharacteristics may be already stored on the vehicle 12 and/or providedto the vehicle 12 from the ride controller system 14. The controller 32may be coupled to a transceiver 38 that enables wireless communicationwith the vehicles 12.

The processors 24, 36 may each include multiple processors, one or more“general-purpose” microprocessors, one or more special-purposemicroprocessors, and/or one or more application specific integratedcircuits (ASIC), or some combination thereof. For example, eachprocessor 24 and 36 may include one or more reduced instruction set(RISC) processor, advanced RISC machine (ARM) processor, performanceoptimization with enhanced RISC (PowerPC) processor, field-programmablegate array (FPGA) integrated circuit, graphics processing unit (GPU), orany other suitable processing device.

Each memory device 22 and 34 may include a volatile memory, such asrandom access memory (RAM), nonvolatile memory, such as read-only memory(ROM), flash memory, or any combination thereof. Each memory device 22and 34 may store a variety of information that may be used for variouspurposes. For example, each memory device 22 and 34 may storeprocessor-executable instructions (e.g., firmware or software) for therespective processors 20 and 32 to execute, such as instructions forcontrolling the vehicle 12. The storage device(s) (e.g., nonvolatilestorage) may include ROM, flash memory, a hard drive, or any othersuitable optical, magnetic, or solid-state storage medium, or acombination thereof.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment 40 of an environment of the amusementpark utilizing the ride vehicle guidance system 10 of FIG. 1 . Thevehicle 12 depicted is as described in FIG. 1 . The vehicle 12, which isconfigured to hold one or more passengers, may include on a bottomportion 43 of the vehicle 12 wheels 42 to enable the vehicle 12 to movealong the paths 44 on surface 46. The number of wheels 42 may vary. Incertain embodiments, the means for moving the vehicle may vary (e.g.,tracks, etc.). The wheels 42 may be coupled to the steering systemdescribed above. The vehicle 12 also may include, on the bottom portion43 (or other portion), the sensor 18 as described above.

As depicted, a plurality of paths 44 may be projected on the surface 46.The paths 44 may include straight and/or curved portions. Three paths 48(solid line), 50 (dashed line), and 52 (dotted-dashed line) areillustrated. The number of paths 44 may vary. In certain embodiments,the paths 44 or portions of the paths 44 may be associated with aspecific theme. In certain embodiments, the paths 44 or portions of thepaths 44 may be associated with different thrill levels. For example,less thrilling paths may include a higher number of straighter portions,slower speeds, and/or gradual turns. More thrilling paths may include ahigher number of curved portions, faster speeds, sharper turns, and/orspins. The paths 48, 50, 52 all three intersect at points 54 and 56.Paths 48 and 50 also intersect at point 58. Each path 44 may beprimarily defined by a different projection characteristics, such asdifferent projected pattern (e.g., dash, dash, dash, vs. dash, dot,dash), different projected shapes (e.g., a first barcode vs. a secondbarcode or circles vs. squares, etc.), different spacings betweenshapes, different projection thicknesses, etc. For example, theprojection characteristics defining paths 48, 50, and 52 may emit anumber of different projection characteristics, respectively. Onebenefit of utilizing infrared projections to define the paths 44, isthat the paths 44 may be easily altered on the surface 46 with little tono facility costs. For example, different infrared sources may beactivated to create a completely different set of paths 44 or set ofpath 44 characteristics that alter control of the vehicle 12. The ridemay occur in the dark or in a lighted area.

At intersections 54, 56, and 58, a combination of convergingcharacteristics of the paths 44 may be emitted. The controller of thevehicle 12 may be programmed to recognize these as convergence pointsand identify characteristics beyond these points to find the assignedpath 44 beyond the intersection to keep the vehicle 12 moving along theassigned path. In certain embodiments, at the intersections 54, 56, 58,either as programmed in the controller of the vehicle 12 or based on aninput received from the passenger and/or stored expected characteristicchanges to the controller of the vehicle 12, the vehicle 12 may changepaths. However, in certain embodiments, the illumination of projectedpaths at the intersections 54, 56, 58 (e.g., path branching points) maybe controlled such that the vehicle 12 may not necessarily need todecide which path to take upon arriving at or approaching theintersections 54, 56, 58. In other words, the vehicle 12 and a pathprojection system 13 may be communicatively coupled to each other suchthat the projection system 13 illuminates a portion of a path of thevehicle 12 in an immediate vicinity of the vehicle 12 based on thelocation of the vehicle 12 and deactivates a portion(s) of the path ofthe vehicle 12 that are away (e.g., relatively far) from an immediatevicinity of the vehicle 12. The path projection system 13 may alsodeactivate an illumination of other paths based on the location (orother information) of the vehicle 12. For example, a controller (e.g.,the controller 20 of FIG. 1 ) may utilize a location of the vehicle 12to determine whether the path projection system 13 will illuminateand/or deactivate an illumination of one or more projected paths (or oneor more portions of one or more projected paths) at the intersections54, 56, 58. This may cause the projected path programmed into thevehicle 12 to be the only projected path observed by the sensor 18 at ornear the intersections 54, 56, 58. In this way, the control systems(e.g., the controller 20 of FIG. 1 ) onboard the vehicle 12 may besimplified because the vehicle 12 may not need to pick between multiplepaths at the intersections 54, 56, 58. Further, by driving and/ordeactivating the illumination of projected paths at the intersections54, 56, 58, it may be ensured that two vehicles 12 are not in the samezone (e.g., “break zone”) as each other.

Additionally, if the vehicle 12 incorporates input indicatingpreferences for the path or path characteristics from guests indetermining a path to proceed upon at the intersections 54, 56, 58, thenthe input may be transmitted to a ride controller system (e.g., the ridecontroller system 14 of FIG. 1 ). In response to the ride controllersystem receiving the input, the ride controller system may cause thepath projection system 13 to project a path based on the input (e.g.,the guests' preferences) and rules of the attraction. In other words,the ride controller system may determine which paths should be activated(driven) and/or deactivated based on the guests' preferences and rulesrelated to the attraction.

As depicted in FIG. 3 , multiple vehicles 12 may be moving along paths44 on the surface 46 at the same time. The vehicle 12 and paths 44 areas described above. Three vehicles 60, 62, 64 and three paths 66, 68, 70are illustrated. The number of vehicles 12 and paths 44 may vary. Eachvehicle 60, 62, and 64 may move along their respective paths 66, 68, and70 based on the expected characteristics associated with a respectivepath. The vehicles 60, 62, and 64 may be in communication with eachother and/or the ride controller system. Thus, the vehicles 60, 62, and64 and/or the ride controller system may be aware of the location of theother vehicles during the ride. In certain embodiments, the vehicles 60,62, 64 may change paths 44 (as predetermined or in response to passengerinput). In certain embodiments, a change in path due to a passengerinput may be overridden (e.g., by the passenger's vehicle and/or theride controller system) due to the location of another vehicle 12. Incertain embodiments, certain selections for passenger inputs may not bepresented to the passenger due to the location of other vehicles. Incertain embodiments, a vehicle 12 may be sped up, slowed down, orstopped in response to the location of other vehicles, lack of expectedcharacteristics in the infrared projection followed by the vehicle 12,or both. In certain embodiments, more than one vehicle 12 may travel onthe same path 44.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a portion of the path 44 havingdifferent projection characteristics making up the path 44, as takenwithin line 4-4 of FIGS. 2 and 3 . As depicted in FIG. 4 , the path 44may include a central portion 72. The central portion 72, in the currentembodiment, includes a first characteristic of a QR code pattern forguiding the vehicle 12 along the path 44. For added security, theexpected QR code may be altered along the progression of the centralportion 72. This may help ensure that the pattern is not easily copiedby unauthorized projections (e.g., from ride users, etc.).

Multiple flanking portions may flank the central portion 72. Forexample, a first flanking portion 74 may flank the central portion 72and a second flanking portion 76 may flank both the central portion 72and the first flanking portion 74. The number of flanking portions mayvary. In certain embodiments, the first flanking portion 72 may haveboth the left and right portions defined by a second characteristicdifferent from the central portion 72, the second flanking portion 76,and any other flanking portion. Here, the first flanking portion 72includes a repeating circle pattern. The third flanking portion 76 mayhave both the left and right portions defined by a characteristicdifferent from the central portion 72, the first flanking portion 76,and any other flanking portion. Here, the third flanking portion 76includes a repeating dashed line pattern.

In certain embodiments, the characteristics of the flanking portions 74,76 may be associated within an indication of how much (e.g., distance,percentage, etc.) the vehicle 12 has strayed from the central portion72. In certain embodiments, the characteristics projected by theflanking portions 74, 76 may be associated with instructing the vehicle12 to correct towards the central portion 72 (e.g., correct left,correct right, etc.). In certain embodiments, the characteristicsprojected by one or more inner flanking portions may be associated withan indication of how much the vehicle 12 has strayed from the centralportion 72, while the characteristics projected by the outermostflanking portion may be associated with instructing the vehicle 12 tocorrect towards the central portion 72. In certain embodiments, thecharacteristics projected by the outermost flanking portion may beassociated with instructing the vehicle 12 to stop due to deviation fromthe path 44. In certain embodiments, flanking portions may havedifferent widths. For example, the central portion 72 may be wider inlength than the first flanking section 74 and/or the second flankingportion 76. Widened flanking portions may be utilized to reduce falsepositives in a section of a ride where there is nothing nearby thatcould be easily hit. Further, employing relatively wide flankingportions may be used in a vehicle that allows guests to have drivingcontrol (e.g., steering control) over the vehicle while still keepingthe vehicle in a safe zone (e.g., a specific lane) as indicated by theflanking portions of the path.

It should be noted that the path projection systems 13 may project pathsonto a ride floor of an attraction. The ride floor may be covered withprojected paths 44 in patterns such as a concentric circles of differentradii having different projection patterns that correspond to differentlimitations. The attraction may allow guests to drive freely on the ridefloor, but it also may employ certain limitations (e.g., speed limits,time limits, boundary zones, etc.) based on characteristics of aspecific concentric circle a vehicle on the ride floor occupies, forexample. The different projection patterns may be utilized indetermining a location of a vehicle on the ride floor (or otherinformation).

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a portion of the path 44 having asymbol or marking 78 adjacent the path 44, as taken within line 4-4 ofFIGS. 2 and 3 . As depicted in FIG. 5 , symbol or marking may beprojected adjacent the path 44 for detection by the vehicle 12. Asdepicted, the symbol or marking 78 may be a bar code. In certainembodiments, the symbol or marking may be a tick mark, shape, number,pattern, QR code, or any other kind of marking. The symbol or marking 78may convey information (e.g., distance travelled, path information,speed, etc.) related to the path 44 to the vehicle 12 and/or the ridecontroller system.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a portion of the path 44 havingdifferent characteristics over the progression of the path 44, as takenwithin line 4-4 of FIGS. 2 and 3 . As depicted, most of the path 44(e.g., regions 80) may be defined by a first characteristic for guidingthe vehicle 12 along the path 44 (e.g., a diagonal line pattern asillustrated here). Other regions along the path 44 may include adifferent characteristics that may be associated with different controlactions for the vehicle 12. For example, region 80 may project adiagonal line pattern, while region 82 may project a double adjacentcircle pattern. In certain embodiments, the characteristics projected byregion 82 may cause the vehicle 12 to spin or some other action (e.g.,bounce, tilt, etc.). In some instances a show animation may be triggeredby the vehicle controller based upon the observance of thischaracteristic. In certain embodiments, other regions (e.g., regions 84,86) may provide other control actions related to the vehicle 12 (e.g.,accelerate, decelerate, stop, etc.). One or more regions, similar toregions 84, 86, may be spaced apart or may contact each other. Theseregions 84, 86 may include projection characteristics different fromregion 80 and each other. Each region 80, 84, 86 may control certaincharacteristics of the vehicle 12. For example, each region 80, 84, and86 be associated with a specific speed for the vehicle 12. For example,region 80 may be associated with the normal speed for the vehicle 12along the path 44, while region 84 may be associated with a faster speedand region 86 may be associated with an even faster speed.Alternatively, region 84 may be associated with a slower speed andregion 86 may be associated with an even slower speed. In certainembodiments, the change in projected characteristics by the regions mayhave gradations. For example, regions 80, 84, 86 may, in someembodiments, project different size magnitudes of a common shape orpattern, where the shape or pattern indicates a speed change (or othercontrol type) and the magnitude indicates the magnitude of the speedchange (or other control type). The path 44 may include a combination ofregions for both acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle 12.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method 88 for guiding thevehicle 12 in an amusement attraction utilizing the ride vehicleguidance system 10 of FIG. 1 . One or more of the steps of the method 88may be performed by the vehicle's controller 20 and/or the ridecontroller system 14. One or more of the steps of the method 88 may beperformed simultaneously and/or in a different order from that depicted.The method 88 may include obtaining infrared projection characteristicsto guide the vehicle 12 along the path 44 (block 90). In certainembodiments, more than one characteristic may be obtained by the vehicle12. For example, a first portion of a ride may follow a first path witha first characteristic and a second portion of the ride may follow adifferent path with a different characteristic. Each vehicle 12 may beassigned a particular path (with a particular expected characteristic tofind and follow). The assigned particular expected characteristic may beobtained from the respective memory of the vehicle's controller 20and/or the ride controller system 14. In certain embodiments, prior tothe ride beginning, the passenger may provide an input based onpresented selections (e.g., related to theme, thrill level, etc.) andthe input may be associated with one or more particular expectedcharacteristics associated with one or more paths 44. In certainembodiments, when multiple vehicles are going to be utilized during theride, each vehicle 12 may obtain a respective expected characteristic orset of expected characteristics to define their respective paths. Incertain embodiments, with the multiple vehicles, prior to or during theride, each vehicle 12 may obtain the expected characteristics and/orother information related to the other vehicles and their respectivepaths. Based upon the set of expected characteristics, some vehicles 12may be instructed to ignore certain control characteristics, whileothers may be instructed to perform a control action when the samecharacteristics are detected. For example, one vehicle 12 might ignore adouble adjacent circle pattern that typically instructs a vehicle 12 tospin around, while another vehicle 12 might spin around when such acharacteristic is observed.

The method 88 also may include detecting, at the vehicle 12, infraredprojections on a travel surface (block 92). The method 88 further mayinclude detecting, via a sensor on the vehicle 12, characteristicsprojected by the infrared projections (block 94). For example,particular patterns of shapes, sizes, thicknesses, objects, etc. may beprojected in the infrared projections.

The method 88 may include comparing the detected characteristics to theexpected characteristics associated with the vehicle 12 (block 96). Whenthe detected characteristics are the same as the expectedcharacteristics, the method 88 may include guiding or moving the vehicle12 along the path 44 and/or performing other control actions based uponthe matched expected and detected characteristics (block 98). Forexample, control features of the vehicle 12 may indicate that when aparticular characteristic is observed, the vehicle 12 should speed up,tilt, spin, trigger a show feature, etc. Thus, when such acharacteristic is observed, the vehicle 12 (e.g., via a vehiclecontroller) may initiate the action.

When the detected characteristic is different from the expectedcharacteristic, the method 88 may include the vehicle 12 performing amitigating action. For example, in some instances, observing such adifference may indicate that the vehicle is on an improper path 44. Thevehicle 12 may be stopped and/or may be directed back to the proper path(e.g., by activating an intermediate projection for the vehicle 12 tofollow back to the proper path 44).

In certain embodiments, the method 88 may include receiving, during theride, input from the passenger (block 102). The passenger may provide aninput based on presented selections (e.g., related to theme, thrilllevel, etc.) and the input may be associated with one or more particularcharacteristics associated with one or more paths 44. In certainembodiments, the input may be associated with the same characteristicand the vehicle 12 keeps the same path. In certain embodiments, thepassenger input may be associated with a different characteristic thatchanges the expected characteristic and, thus, the path 44 for guidingthe vehicle 12 (block 104). In some embodiments, the input may changethe projected characteristics along an already assigned path. Forexample, if a currently followed path is currently projecting dots, theprojection can dynamically change to dashes.

Although the above embodiments relate to an amusement ride, the sametechniques may be utilized in other applications. For example, thetechniques may be applied to any automated guided vehicles (AGVs). Thetechniques may also be applied to moving elements in a ride/showenvironment that are not designed for human transportation. For example,an animated figure (e.g., a walking robot) may move on a path havinglight projections using the same projected light navigation systems asdiscussed above. Further, while the discussion has centered aroundinfrared projections, other projections, such as visible lightprojections, could be used. The current discussion is not intended tolimit embodiments to amusement rides or infrared projections.

While only certain features of the disclosure have been illustrated anddescribed herein, many modifications and changes will occur to thoseskilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appendedclaims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fallwithin the true spirit of the present disclosure. The techniquespresented and claimed herein are referenced and applied to materialobjects and concrete examples of a practical nature that demonstrablyimprove the present technical field and, as such, are not abstract,intangible or purely theoretical. Further, if any claims appended to theend of this specification contain one or more elements designated as“means for [perform]ing [a function] . . . ” or “step for [perform]ing[a function] . . . ”, it is intended that such elements are to beinterpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f). However, for any claims containingelements designated in any other manner, it is intended that suchelements are not to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f).

1. A system, comprising: a first projection on a surface, comprising afirst light projected characteristic, the first projection configured toprovide a first vehicle occupant experience, comprising: a firstalternative experience of an attraction, comprising a first locationproviding a first attraction scenario; or a first thrill level of theattraction defined by a first set of attributes of the first projection;or both; a second projection projected on the surface, comprising asecond light projected characteristic different than the first lightprojection characteristic, the second projection configured to provide asecond vehicle occupant experience, comprising: a second alternativeexperience of the attraction different from the first alternativeexperience, comprising a second location providing a second attractionscenario; or a second thrill level of the attraction different from thefirst thrill level defined by a second set of attributes of the secondprojection; or both; a vehicle comprising a sensor configured to detectlight projected characteristics projected on the surface; and acontroller configured to: receive an input; based upon the input, selecta desired vehicle occupant experience from the first vehicle occupantexperience and the second vehicle occupant experience; select a lightprojection characteristic associated with the desired vehicle occupantexperience; locate, using the sensor, a matching light projectedcharacteristic of the first projection or the second projection thatmatches the selected light projection characteristic; and control thevehicle to follow the matching light projected characteristic of thefirst projection or the second projection.
 2. The system of claim 1,further comprising: a first vehicle disposed on the first projection,wherein a first controller is configured to guide the first vehiclealong the first projection; and a second vehicle disposed on the secondprojection, wherein a second controller is configured to guide thesecond vehicle on the second projection concurrently with the firstvehicle being guided along the first projection.
 3. The system of claim1, wherein the first light projected characteristic comprises a centerportion with a first light projected characteristic and a first portionflanking the center portion comprising a different light projectedcharacteristic than the first light projected characteristic.
 4. Thesystem of claim 3, wherein the controller is further configured to guidethe vehicle to move toward the center portion in response to detectionof the different light projected characteristic by the sensor.
 5. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to:identify, via the sensor, a third light projected characteristic of thefirst projection, or the second projection, or both that is associatedwith the matching light projected characteristic; and control thevehicle to follow the matching light projected characteristic inaccordance with a control action associated with the third lightprojected characteristic.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the thirdlight projected characteristic changes at different locations along thefirst projection, or the second projection, or both to indicatedifferent control actions for the controller to implement at thedifferent locations.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the differentcontrol actions comprise different movement speeds for the vehicle, andthe controller is configured to control the vehicle in accordance withthe different movement speeds at the different locations.
 8. The systemof claim 5, wherein the control action comprises a spin movement of thevehicle.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is furtherconfigured to: receive a second input provided by a passenger during thevehicle following the matching light projected characteristic; determinea different light projection characteristic based at least in part onthe second input, wherein the different light projection characteristicis associated with a different projection than the matching lightprojected characteristic; and change movement of the vehicle fromfollowing the matching light projected characteristic to following thedifferent light projection characteristic associated with the differentprojection.
 10. A vehicle, comprising: a sensor configured to detectlight projected characteristics projected on a surface; and a controllerconfigured to: receive an input; based upon the input, determine adesired vehicle occupant experience, wherein the desired vehicleoccupant experience comprises: an alternative experience of anattraction, comprising a location providing an attraction scenario; or athrill level of the attraction defined by a set of attributes; or both;select a light projection characteristic associated with the desiredvehicle occupant experience; locate, using the sensor, a light projectedcharacteristic of a projection on the surface that matches the selectedlight projection characteristic; and control the vehicle to follow thelight projected characteristic of the projection.
 11. The vehicle ofclaim 10, wherein the input is provided by a passenger of the vehicle.12. The vehicle of claim 10, wherein the controller is furtherconfigured to change selection of the light projected characteristicbased on indication of a modification of the desired vehicle occupantexperience.
 13. The vehicle of claim 10, wherein the vehicle comprises afront wheel located near a front of the vehicle and a back wheel locatednear a back of the vehicle, and the controller is further configured tocontrol the front wheel to follow a first projection and the back wheelto follow a second projection.
 14. The vehicle of claim 10, wherein thesensor is configured to scan the surface to detect that an abnormalityhas occurred in the light projected characteristics projected on thesurface.
 15. The vehicle of claim 10, wherein the controller isconfigured to communicate with other vehicles about: selection of thelight projected characteristic of the projection, a particular locationof the vehicle, a speed of the vehicle, a future change in the lightprojected characteristic of the projection, or any combination thereof.16. A method for controlling a vehicle, comprising: receiving an inputvia a controller; based upon the input, determining, via the controller,a desired vehicle occupant experience, wherein the desired vehicleoccupant experience comprises: an alternative experience of anattraction, comprising a location providing an attraction scenario; or athrill level of the attraction defined by a set of attributes; or both;selecting, via the controller, a light projection characteristicassociated with the desired vehicle occupant experience; locating, usinga sensor on the vehicle, a light projected characteristic of aprojection on a surface that matches the selected light projectioncharacteristic; and controlling, via the controller, the vehicle tofollow the light projected characteristic of the projection on thesurface.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the light projectioncharacteristic comprises a particular bar code, a particular QR code, aparticular shape, a particular pattern of objects, or any combinationthereof.
 18. The method of claim 16, further comprising: haltingmovement of the vehicle when the light projection characteristic cannotbe detected by the sensor on the vehicle, an abnormality of the lightprojection characteristic is observed, or both.
 19. The method of claim16, further comprising: changing a selection of the light projectedcharacteristic of the projection based on the desired vehicle occupantexperience changing.
 20. The method of claim 16, further comprising:communicating with other vehicles about selection of the light projectedcharacteristic of the projection, a particular location of the vehicle,a speed of the vehicle, a future change in the light projectedcharacteristic of the projection, or any combination thereof.